Barron didn't really take much of a step forward in gameplay this year. Seems like a good character guy but I'm not sure that's going to be enough to let him carve out more than a bottom 6 AHL role.

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He did, it just wasn't points. He was the emotional and physical driving force of the team.

From the Black Book on his season

Travis has the body and skillset to be a power forward at the next level. His game is very effective when he is working down low on the cycle with the puck and driving hard to the net with it, using his size and reach and creating offensive chances. Travis wonâ€™t be a point-producer at the next level, but with added consistency each game, he could be an effective role player at the next level. His game was better this year for Ottawa compared to last. He competed better this year, and improved his game in other areas either with or away from the puck. Travis showed good leadership this year and led by example, bringing a young Ottawa team into the playoffs. Still a ways to go but it was an uptick year for the 7th rounder.

The next level being the BCHL? Probably won't get much hype unless he wins MVP or something.

I can see the argument for Anderson but I'm thinking Barron. Maybe he's just a AHL type but he probably gets signed. I like the kid.

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Not saying he'll get the kind of hype Makar will get if he contends for the Hobey Baker as a freshman or anything; but more of us should get a chance to watch him this coming season. And from the sounds of things he could leave a good impression on those of us that do catch him...at least enough to move ahead of the career AHLers and some of the third-pairing-at-best prospects.

Barron didn't really take much of a step forward in gameplay this year. Seems like a good character guy but I'm not sure that's going to be enough to let him carve out more than a bottom 6 AHL role.

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I get it that you expect him to be more of an AHLer instead of the NHL which is fine. However, I suggest we drafted him for his ability to grind out on the bottom line(s) similar to McLeod. Barron doesn't possess a lot of potential or talent, but the kid is a good skater, oozes character, has a good two-way ability, anticipates the play well, and is a titanium bulldog on the forecheck. Considering those strengths, I don't think it's unreasonable to have the expectations of him making the NHL, even if all he becomes is just a #12th forward. I do agree that he needs to step up some of his offencive game, or we have another Garrett Meurs on our hands.

Werner didn't have a great season, sub .900 save %. I'll admit I didn't lay eyes on him, and I'm not even a very good goalie scout regardless, but I like Kvaca's attitude and post-draft comments about working hard. This is long-shot territory here so I'm just going purely on gut.

Werner had a great start to the season where he stole the starting job, then fell back to earth. Could have been natural growing pains at the position (and the product of a bad team). In reality, I doubt either end up being anything to write home about.

Werner had a great start to the season where he stole the starting job, then fell back to earth. Could have been natural growing pains at the position (and the product of a bad team). In reality, I doubt either end up being anything to write home about.

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Yup which is why they are in the HM category. Would it kill management to grab a goalie in the draft that is highly touted for good reasons once every 3 years? Grab your obscure Euro goalies where you want all the other years but lets try avoiding shooting ourselves in the foot here.